Chicago's Sweet Surprise: Nutella's New Peanut Twist

Chicago, a city known for its deep-dish pizza and towering skyscrapers, is about to add another sweet treat to its resume. Nutella, the beloved hazelnut spread, is getting a makeover with a peanut twist, and it's all happening in the Windy City. This isn't just a simple flavor change; it's a big deal. Nutella hasn't had a new flavor in over 60 years. The new spread, Nutella Peanut, is set to hit store shelves in April 2026. It's been in the works for five years, developed by Ferrero's food scientists. The company is investing $75 million in its Franklin Park factory and creating 65 new jobs. This factory already makes popular candies like Baby Ruth and Butterfinger, so it's a natural fit for the new peanut-flavored spread. But why peanuts? Well, peanut butter is a staple in North America. So, adding peanuts to Nutella seems like a smart move. However, it's not just about slapping peanuts into the mix. The goal is to keep that distinct European flavor that Nutella is known for. It's more of an afternoon snack than a lunch item, according to the marketing team. The new flavor will be unveiled at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, an annual event that started in Chicago. This event is a big deal for Ferrero, as it's a chance to show off its new products and innovations. Ferrero, founded in 1946, is now the third-largest confectionery company in the world. It has plants across five continents and over 47, 500 employees. Its products, like Nutella, Kinder, and Ferrero Rocher, have been gaining traction in the U. S. in recent years. Ferrero has been making some big moves in the U. S. , especially in Chicago. It bought century-old candymakers Ferrara and Fannie May in 2017. The following year, it acquired Nestle's U. S. confectionery business, adding brands like Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, and Crunch. Ferrero has also invested significantly in its Illinois properties, including a $285 million expansion at its Bloomington plant. But Ferrero's impact in Chicago isn't just about manufacturing. It opened its first Nutella Cafe on Michigan Avenue eight years ago. A Nutella Peanut menu item will be coming to the cafe next year. In 2023, Ferrero launched its North American research and development facility in the Marshall Field building on State Street. This lab has already created new Butterfinger flavors and Crunch White. The success of Nutella Peanut could mean big things for Chicago. If the launch goes well, the Franklin Park factory will likely be expanded to handle increased production. This could mean more jobs and a bigger footprint for Ferrero in the city. It's a sweet deal for Chicago and a tasty treat for Nutella fans.